March 20, 2014 Staff report
Members of Young Israel of Sunnyside, an Orthodox synagogue located on 46th Street (43rd Ave), celebrated the popular ancient custom of Purim last Sunday at the Sunnyhill Common Room in Woodside.
Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire from destruction in the wake of a plot by Haman, a high-ranking Persian leader, who sought to kill them.
Members of Young Israel celebrated Purim by giving each other gifts of food and drink. Furthermore, members of the synagogue followed Jewish tradition by dressing up in costumes, symbolizing the idea that reality is not always reflected in what you expect or see.
The party had an international theme this year, inspired by the diversity of the Sunnyside Jewish community and Sunnyside at large. Ethnic costumes and flags were on display and Chinese, Israeli, Mexican, and Japanese food was served for lunch. Guests marked their country of origin on a large map.
